National Association of Independent Schools (www.nais.org) is a nonprofit membership association that is the national advocate for independent elementary and secondary schools in the United States and abroad. Although the association’s members are school heads, faculty, and staff, you can use its search engine to look for more information about topics of specific interest to your family.
Council for American Private Education (www.capenet.org) is a coalition of national organizations and state affiliates that serve private elementary and secondary schools. Visit the Private Schools section for information about types of schools, benefits, and more.
Special-Interest School Groups
Boarding Schools
The Association of Boarding Schools (www.boardingschools.com) offers helpful resources, including definitions and links to types of boarding schools (military, junior boarding, pre-professional arts, etc.); information for international families; and application advice.
Junior Boarding Schools Association (www.jbsa.org) represents schools in the Northeast and in Illinois that specialize in elementary and middle school children. The site offers member links; perspectives from parents, faculty, students, and alumni; essays on the junior boarding school experience; and other resources.
Western Boarding Schools Association (www.wbsa.net) represents more than three dozen college-preparatory schools in the western United States and Canada. The site provides a school finder, a calendar of school fairs, and application materials.
Boys’ Schools
International Boys’ Schools Coalition (www.theibsc.org) represents 250 independent and parochial boys’ schools worldwide. The website provides a membership directory and champions boys' education.
Girls’ Schools
National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (www.ncgs.org) features a state-by-state listing and searchable database of girls’ schools in addition to various resources and useful links.
International Schools
Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (www.cais.ca) includes a membership listing you can search for nearly 100 schools by province or school type.